Arrangement for the fixing of a medical-technical measuring device as well as a medical-technical measuring device involving this sort of arrangement, particularly a pulsoximeter sensor

ABSTRACT

Arrangement for fixing a medical-technical measuring device to a body part as well as a medical-technical measuring device involving such an arrangement, particularly a pulsoximeter sensor.  
     The invention relates to an arrangement for fixing a medical-technical measuring device, particularly a pulsoximeter sensor, to a body part of a patient with a carrying means (1, 23; 101, 123; 201, 223) carrying a measuring means (5, 6), which includes a longitudinal opening (3; 103) extending in a longitudinal direction for receiving the body part, characterized in that the carrier means (1, 23; 101, 123; 201, 223) includes a foam material part (1; 101; 201) at least on its surface engaging with the body part, in that the foam material part (1; 101 ;201) is slightly elastically deformable for the fixing, and that the deformation makes available a force-accumulation arrangement bringing about the fixing, as well as a medical-technical measuring device for measuring the physiological data of a patient, particularly a pulsoximeter sensor, with an arrangement for the fixing such as described above, whereby the measuring device includes optical electronic measuring means (5, 6), which are arranged on the carrier means (1, 23; 101, 123; 201, 223).

[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement for the fixing of a medical-technical measuring device according to the disclosure part of claim 1 as well as a medical-technical measuring device having such an arrangement, particularly a pulsoximeter sensor.

[0002] From DE 37 03 458 C2 is known this type of medical-technical measuring device, which includes an arrangement for fixing to a body part of a patient, particularly to a finger, a toe, an arm or a leg, whereby a first segment of a carrier means, which includes a longitudinal opening extending in a longitudinal direction to receive the body part, also supports the measuring means, and a second segment adjacent thereto and extending around the periphery is elastic and during stressing beyond the material elasticity of the first segment the stresses pass over to the second segment. The method of manufacture disclosed in this specification assumes a casting around the transmitter and receiver elements during the manufacture of the carrier means.

[0003] From U.S. Pat. No. 4,685,464 is known a clothespin-like pulsoximeter, in which two arms of a clamp-like carrier means can be brought into clamping contact on the body part of the patient.

[0004] The known fixing arrangements and measuring devices have the drawback either that they include a secure fixing obtained by introduction of a higher force level and essentially pointed or clamping fixing forces, which then for example can lead to disturbances of the blood circulation in the body part, or that they guarantee good blood circulation in the body part by use of reduced fixing forces, which then frequently lead to the fixing arrangement or the measuring device becoming detached from the body part, particularly upon displacement of the body part. This latter arrangement can be a disadvantage, particularly when it is used in the case of infants or small children and in the field of intensive care medicine. Also, the known devices are costly in their manufacture and require a high degree of precision and high level of skill with their use.

[0005] The invention addresses the problem of making available an arrangement for the fixing of a medical-technical measuring device to the body as well as disclosing such a medical-technical measuring device, which overcomes the drawbacks of the state of the art and particularly which guarantees a secure fixing while nonetheless preventing any disturbances of the blood circulation of the body part of the patient. In addition, the fixing arrangement and measuring device are to be manufactured at low cost, and are to be simple to use and to clean.

[0006] The problem is solved by the arrangement disclosed in claim 1 for the fixing as well as by the medical-technical measuring device disclosed in the dependent claims. Particular types of embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0007] In pulsoximetry, the oxygen content of the blood of a patient is determined in such a manner that preferably a body part with good blood circulation is exposed to rays or even irradiated with light for example of two different wave lengths, and the relative oxygen saturation of the blood is calculated from the absorption and/or reflection. Suitable body parts for this type of measuring are for example the ear and the nose separating wall, but particularly the extremities such as the fingers or toes. For such a medical-technical measuring device, at least one optical transmitter element and at least one optical receiver element are preferably to be arranged on opposite sides of the body part, whereby on the one hand the blood circulation of the body part is not to be obstructed and on the other hand the elements are to be sufficiently secured in their position relative to one another, particularly in their axial alignment, so that the measuring process is not at all negatively influenced even with frequent movements of the body part, for example in the case of infants and/or of intensive care patients.

[0008] Owing to the fact that in this case of an arrangement for the fixing of a medical-technical measuring device the carrier means includes a foam part, at least on the surface of the carrier means turned toward the body part, which is slightly elastically deformable to obtain the fixing, and that the deformation makes available a force-accumulating arrangement which brings about the fixing, so that a secure fixing is attained with essentially unimpaired blood circulation of the body part. Preferably the foam of the carrier means completely surrounds the body part, conducting the fixing force over the entire surface of the body part, and particularly being configured as a sheathing or in cap-like configuration. The exterior surface of the carrier means and the interior surface formed by the longitudinal opening can be configured as cylindrical or conical or as a truncated cone. With the introduction of the body part into the longitudinal opening or the slipping of the carrier means over the body part, deformation of the foam occurs particularly in radial direction in relation to the longitudinal direction. The foam material thus has the advantageous property that it can be pressed together on one fragment of its volume, and thus makes available a permanent force-accumulation arrangement.

[0009] The term foam material is intended to mean not the original material forming the foam but rather the solid foam product itself, in other words the synthetically produced material of cellular structure. Among other things, rubber, a rubber-plastic mixture and particularly a synthetic resin or plastic can be considered as raw material to make the foam material. Some synthetic foam materials, which can be used, are cited in Neumuller, Otto-Albrecht: Rompp Chemie-Lexikon, Stuttgart, Francksche Verlagsanstalt [Publisher], 8th Edition, page 3703, under the key word “Schaumkunststoffe” [“Synthetic foam”]. Because of the low density of the foam material, both the device for the fixing and also the medical-technical measuring device are of low mass. The longitudinal opening can be a blind hole or a through-passage opening and can be arranged in the center or eccentrically in relation to the longitudinal axis of the carrier means. Preferably in any case the axis of the longitudinal opening runs parallel to the axis of the carrier means. The diameter of the longitudinal opening is preferably somewhat smaller than the diameter of the smallest body part to which the measuring device is to be affixed.

[0010] The foam material or the entire carrier means can be manufactured of a semifinished material by stamping or cutting, particularly with use of a water stream or a laser beam. Thus both the density and the cell dimensions of the foam material as well as the material of the foam itself can be adapted optimally to the relevant particular use being proposed. Generally speaking, such manufactured foam material parts or carrier means have neither blind holes nor any structures deviating from a cylindrical shape.

[0011] Owing to the fact that the foam material part has incisions originating from the longitudinal opening and extending at least some distance in the longitudinal direction, at least two segments are formed by them around the periphery, running in peripheral direction, and then potential tensile stresses generating a deformation and thus disturbing the measuring method are prevented. The number of incisions and with them the number of segments formed by the incisions can be adapted to the dimensions and configuration of the body part.

[0012] Owing to the fact that the incisions extend radially over at least half of the thickness of the foam part, an appreciable compensation for the deformation of one segment is guaranteed by the deformation of an adjacent segment. Thus a permanently reliable and tight contact of the foam material on the body part is guaranteed.

[0013] Owing to the fact that the segments are connected with one another on their exterior by a layer of foam material configured of one single piece with the segments, the exterior shape of the carrier means during introduction of the body part or while the arrangement is being slipped over a body part is not varied noticeably. Optimum contact of the foam material on the body part is thus guaranteed on all sides. Thus, for example in the case of a measuring device with optical electronic measuring means, when the body part gets displaced or turned over the light is reliably prevented from getting to the receiver either directly from the transmitter or through reflection. This can be attained either alternatively or as a supplement also in that the foam material is colored with a dye which is adapted to an optical electronic measurement to be carried out by the measuring device, and particularly the radiation originating from a transmitter element is essentially completely absorbed.

[0014] The permanently secure fixing is further improved because the shape of the longitudinal opening is designed to be the shape of the body part which will receive it. For example the longitudinal opening to receive a finger or a toe can be configured in conical shape and therefore is to have at least two padding pieces or beads arranged one behind the other in the direction of the longitudinal layout and separated from one another by a narrowed section and rounded either inward or outward.

[0015] Because of the fact that the carrier means has a transverse opening into which the measuring means is to be inserted, particularly on opposite sides of the body part, a secure and if necessary detachable mounting of the measuring means and an exact axial alignment of one to the other is guaranteed. By means of said detachable mounting of the measuring means, the carrier means can be exchanged simply and at low cost if it becomes necessary for instance for hygienic requirements.

[0016] Owing to the fact that a connection to the measuring means can be attached to a point on the exterior of the carrier means, the arrangement for fixing to a body part and also the associated measuring device are simple to manage and operate. Furthermore, fatiguing bending stresses of the connecting line and the connection points are particularly avoided, whereupon the operation and maintenance costs of the measuring device are also lowered considerably. The mounting can be executed by means of catch devices configured for example of one piece and mounted on the exterior.

[0017] Owing to the fact that on its exterior side more distant from the body part the carrier means has a rigid casing around the foam material, the stability of the shape of the carrier means relating to its exterior shape as well as a sufficient level of fixing force is guaranteed. The casing for example can be formed by a sheathing of plastic or metal as well as alternatively or as a supplement also by an integral or structural foam material with solid skin and cellular core, all of one piece. The exchangeability of the foam material is further simplified when the sheathing is of a plurality of parts and particularly when it can be opened for the introduction of the foam material. For example the sheathing is to have an articulation-like device so that it can be opened, which is configured preferably of one or more of the sheathing parts integrated into one piece.

[0018] The invention also relates to a medical-technical measuring device for the measuring of physiological data of a patient, particularly a pulsoximeter sensor, with a fixing arrangement as described above, whereby the measuring device has optical electronic measuring means, arranged on the carrier means. A measuring procedure yielding reliable physiological data is then guaranteed by using a measuring device configured according to the invention. In addition, the measuring device according to the invention is of low cost in its manufacture and maintenance as well as being simple to use.

[0019] Owing to the fact that the measuring means include at least one optical transmitter element and at least one optical receiver element, which are arranged along the same axis through a transverse opening on opposite sides of the carrier means, the axial alignment of transmitter and receiver elements is guaranteed even under the mechanical stress of the arrangement for the fixing, for example during introduction of the body part or during slipping of the arrangement over the body part. Insofar as the foam material of the carrier means is essentially impermeable for the radiation emitted from the optical electronic measuring means, and particularly if it is tinted with a corresponding suitable dye, then erroneous measurements, occurring for example because of reflections of the emitted radiation on the foam material, are essentially excluded from occurring.

[0020] Other advantages, features and individual points regarding the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims as well as in the following description, in which a plurality of exemplary embodiments are described individually with reference to the drawings. Thus it would be possible for the features disclosed in the claims and in the description in turn to be considered as inventive either individually in and of themselves or in any desired combination.

[0021]FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a foam material part of a carrier means of the device of the invention,

[0022]FIG. 2 shows the optical electronic measuring means of a medical-technical measuring device according to the invention,

[0023]FIG. 3 shows a sheathing of plastic or metal,

[0024]FIG. 4 likewise shows a two-part sheathing, but in this case tapering conically,

[0025]FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the foam material part, and

[0026]FIG. 6 shows a third exemplary embodiment of the carrier means.

[0027]FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a foam material part 1 of a carrier means of a device according to the invention for the fixing of a medical-technical measuring device, particularly a pulsoximeter sensor, to a body part of a patient, whereby foam material part 1 has a longitudinal opening 3 extending in a longitudinal direction 2 to receive the body part. Furthermore, foam material part 1 has a transverse opening 4 extending in a straight line and essentially at a right angle to longitudinal direction 2, into which the measuring means 5, 6 are to be inserted. Foam material part 1 consists of a foam material which can be slightly elastically deformed during the introduction of the body part into longitudinal opening 3 and/or during the slipping of the measuring device over the body part, whereby the deformation makes available a force-accumulating arrangement which brings about the fixing. In the embodiment shown, both foam part 1 and also longitudinal opening 3 and transverse opening 4 are of circular cylindrical configuration. Longitudinal opening 3 extends from a frontal end of foam part 1 as far as the opposite, reverse end. Transverse opening 4 extends from a point on the covering surface near the border of foam part 1 to the diametrically opposite point on the cover surface and thus intersects longitudinal opening 3. The diameter of longitudinal opening 3 is somewhat smaller than the smallest body part to be received therein. The diameter of transverse opening 4 is adapted to the measuring means 5, 6 to be inserted therein.

[0028] Foam material part 1 has four incisions 7, 8, 9, 10 originating from longitudinal opening 3 and extending at least for some distance in longitudinal direction 2, by which four segments 12, 13, 14, 15 are formed around the periphery 11. Incisions 7, 8, 9, 10 extend in radial direction through at least half the thickness of foam part 1, preferably as far as a few millimeters below the exterior surface, and are connected with one another around their exterior by a layer 16 formed of one integral piece with segments 12, 13, 14, 15 and passing all the way through. In the embodiment which is shown in FIG. 1, incisions 7, 8, 9, 10 extend over the entire axial length of foam material part 1, are radially aligned in a straight line and form four identical segments 12, 13, 14, 15 with regard to their dimensions and particularly their angle extensions. In this embodiment longitudinal opening 3 is arranged in the center of cylindrical foam material part 1.

[0029]FIG. 2 shows the optical electronic measuring means 4, 5 of a medical-technical measuring device of the invention, particularly a pulsoximeter sensor, including at least one optical transmitter element 4 and at least one optical receiver element 5, which can be inserted into the ends of transverse opening 4 of foam part 1 which are opposite one another. For this purpose transmitter element 4 and also receiver element 5 in turn have plug segments 17 and 18, cylindrical in this embodiment but if necessary conical in shape, which guarantee proper guiding during insertion into foam part 1 and thus guarantee the desired alignment of transmitter and receiver elements 4, 5. On each plug segment 17 or 18 is mounted a flange segment 19 and/or 20, preferably of one integral piece therewith, each of which forms a stop during the plugging in, to prevent the plug's sinking all the way into the foam material part, and with regard to its shape the flange can be adapted to the exterior contour of foam part 1, in other words it can be curved. Transmitter element 4 is connected with receiver element 5 through a connecting line 21.

[0030] Connection 22 connects receiver element 5 and/or transmitter element 4 with a reading and/or analysis device.

[0031]FIG. 3 shows a sheathing 23 of either plastic or metal, which forms a rigid casing around the carrier means and around foam material part 1. Sheathing 23 consists of two half-shells 24, 25 each of which is essentially semi-cylindrical in cross section, which are connected with one another by articulation on their edges facing one another by means of a hinge 26 and have a hook- or catch-like closing 27 along the facing side edges. Half-shells 24, 25 preferably consist of a rigid, thin plastic or metal and are elastically deformable, particularly in radial direction, for the closing or opening. Alternatively to that or in supplement thereto, other closing mechanisms, for example catch closings, adhering closings or adhesive closings, can be inserted into hook- or catch-like closing 27. In the example which is shown the complete carrier means is formed by the combination of foam material part 1 with the sheathing 23.

[0032]FIG. 4 shows a similar two-part sheathing 123, but conically tapering in longitudinal direction 2, in other words the direction toward the axial end hinge 126, which also allows for folding back of one part for the insertion of a foam material part, and the foam material can optionally also be configured as conical. Hinge 126 is formed by axle journal 128 which is configured of one piece with the first half-shell 124, which engage in corresponding openings 129 of the second half-shell 125. First half-shell 124 is essentially semi-circular in cross section. Second half-shell 125 in cross section forms a circle segment of more than 180 degrees, so that with folding together the first half-shell 124 connects by snapping into second half-shell 125. The cohesion in snapped-together state is adjustable by the design of half-shells 124, 125, particularly by relative spreading of first half-shell 124 and/or by crimping of second half-shell 125.

[0033]FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of foam material part 101, in which longitudinal opening 103 runs eccentrically to the middle axis of foam material part 101. Incisions 107, 108, 109, 110 are no longer arranged uniformly distributed around the periphery, but rather form one segment 113 much closer to the side of longitudinal opening 103 associated with the receiver element 6, which extends for example over approximately a breadth of 180 degrees and has only a short radial extension. By the eccentric arrangement of longitudinal opening 103 it is guaranteed that one of the measuring means, particularly receiver element 6, engages directly on the body part or in any case is arranged to be directly thereon.

[0034] As a result of the design selection and if necessary the changing of the diameter of sheathing 23, 123 either over its entire axial extension, or over a part of it or even only at certain points on segments thereof, a prebiasing or initial stress of foam material part 1, 101 is to be attained in predeterminable measure. The shape of sheathing 23, 123 can likewise be identical to the exterior shape of foam part 1, 101, 201 and/or the shape of longitudinal opening 3, 103, in other words it can be cylindrical, conical, bulging or corrugated and in particular can be adapted to the shape of the body part receiving it. When sheathing 23, 123 is of a shorter axial extension than foam part 1, 101, then the body part is protected from injury or lesions caused at the borders of the axial ends of sheathing 23, 123 by the projecting foam material part 1, 101. Foam part 1, 101, 201 and/or sheathing 23, 123 can include a stop fixture for the introduction of the body part or during the slipping over of the device. Sheathing 23, 123 can have bulging blocking parts projecting radially inward, which prevent deformation and particularly prevent sliding of foam material part 1, 101 in longitudinal direction 2.

[0035]FIG. 6 shows a third exemplary embodiment of the carrier means, in which foam material part 201 is made up of one integral piece with casing or sheathing 223, for example with use of integral or structural foam parts which have a solid skin and a cellular core. Then clamping means in the form of slotted tubes 230, 231 are preferably formed of one integral piece with sheathing 223 on the exterior, whereby a first slotted tube 230 receives connecting line 21 between transmitter element 5 and receiver element 4 and extends essentially around half of the peripheral surface. A second, particularly a straight slotted tube 231, runs along the exterior of sheathing 223 and receives the connection 22. Slotted tubes 230, 231 are of elastic configuration so that they can be spread open, whereupon the connecting line and connection 21, 22 can be simply and detachably mounted on foam material part 201. 

1. Arrangement for fixing a medical-technical measuring device, particularly a pulsoximeter sensor, to a body part of a patient, including a carrying means (1, 23; 101, 123; 201, 223) carrying a measuring means (5, 6), which carrying means includes a longitudinal opening (3; 103) extending in longitudinal direction for receiving the body part, characterized in that the carrying means (1, 23; 101, 123; 201, 223) include a foam material part (1; 101; 201) at least on the side to come into contact with the body part, that the foam material part (1; 101; 201) can be slightly elastically deformable to adapt to the fixing, and that the deformation makes available a force-accumulation arrangement bringing about the fixing.
 2. Arrangement as in claim 1, characterized in that the foam material part (1; 101; 201) includes incisions (7, 8, 9, 10; 107, 108, 109, 110) originating from the longitudinal opening (3; 103) and extending at least some distance in the longitudinal direction (2), by means of which at least two segments (12, 13, 14, 15; 113) are formed around the peripheral surface (11).
 3. Arrangement as in claim 2, characterized in that the incisions (7, 8, 9, 10; 107, 108, 109, 110) extend radially through at least half of the thickness of the foam material part (1; 101; 201).
 4. Arrangement as in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the segments (12, 13, 14, 15; 113) are connected with one another on their exterior by a layer (16) of foam which is integral with the segments (12, 13, 14, 15; 113) and passing all the way around.
 5. Arrangement as in one of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the shape of the longitudinal opening (3; 103) is a reproduction of the body part which is to be received therein.
 6. Arrangement as in one of the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the carrier means (1, 23; 101, 123; 201, 223) includes a transverse opening (4), into which is to be inserted the measuring means (5, 6).
 7. Arrangement as in one of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that on one part of the exterior of the carrier means (1, 23; 101, 123; 201, 223) can be mounted a connection (22) connecting to the measuring means (5, 6).
 8. Arrangement as in one of the claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the carrier means (1, 23; 101, 123; 201, 223) on its exterior side more distant from the body part includes a rigid casing (223) around the foam material part (1; 101; 201).
 9. Arrangement as in claim 8, characterized in that the casing is formed by a sheathing (23; 123) of plastic or metal.
 10. Arrangement as in claim 9, characterized in that the sheathing (23; 123) is made up of a plurality of parts and can be opened for the insertion of the foam material part (1; 101; 201).
 11. Arrangement as in one of the claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the foam material part (1; 101; 201) is colored with a dye, which is adapted to an optical electronic measurement to be carried out by the measuring device.
 12. Medical-technical measuring device for the measuring of physiological data of a patient, particularly a pulsoximeter sensor, with an arrangement for fixing to a body part according to one of the claims 1 to 11, whereby the measuring device includes optical electronic measuring means (5, 6), which are arranged on the carrier means (1, 23; 101, 123; 201, 223).
 13. Medical-technical measuring device as in claim 12, characterized in that the measuring means (5, 6) include at least one optical transmitter element (5) and at least one optical receiver element (6), which are arranged on opposite sides of the carrier means (1, 23; 101, 123; 201, 223) in an axis defined by a transverse opening (4).
 14. Medical-technical measuring device as in claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the foam material part (1; 101; 201) of the carrier means (1, 23; 101, 123; 201, 223) is essentially impermeable with regard to the radiation emitted by the optical electronic measuring means (5, 6), and particularly is colored with a correspondingly suitable color. 